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The neglected side of domestic violence research: case studies of female aggressors in intimate partnerships

THE NEGLECTED SIDE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESEARCH:
CASE STUDIES OF FEMALE AGRESSORS IN INTIMATE PARTNERSHIPS
by
Amy Elizabeth Lappen
_________________________________________________________
A Dissertation Presented to the
FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
(EDUCATION)
August 2007
Copyright 2007 Amy Elizabeth Lappen

In contrast to the immense amount of research regarding male perpetrators of intimate partner violence, relatively little attention has been given female perpetrators (Orcutt, Garcia, & Pickett, 2005). This multiple case study used a mixed-methods approach to focus on six female perpetrators of heterosexual partner violence, all of whom were members of a domestic violence counseling group. Each participated in a structured interview and completed psychological tests that assessed alcohol use, trait hostility, severity and frequency of violence by self and partner, social support and psychological functioning.; All women in this study were partnered with men who had been abusive of them, but differed in the extent to which this was true. Whereas the men used their hands or fists, the women were more likely to use weapons such as knives or a broom handle. Despite the violence, most women expressed positive feelings about their relationships or their partners. Additionally, they reported conflicting feelings about violence: most commonly, opposing it in the abstract, but justifying or minimizing it in the context of their relationships. Although some women reported experiencing aspects of the "cycle of violence" these reports were not sufficient to warrant the assumptions that this phenomenon operated frequently, or even at all.; Three women reported use of substances for a variety of reasons, and four women were partnered with men who used. Interestingly, some women reported using drugs as a mechanism to calm down and minimize the chance that they would react with violence to a provocation by their partner. Most reported some symptoms of depression, although that was not corroborated with the objective measure (SCL-90-R). Half showed elevated scores on the measure of aggression (Aggression Questionnaire).; All women reported being victims of childhood abuse (five reported physical abuse, and one reported verbal abuse) and most had witnessed domestic violence between their primary care-givers. Often the violence they witnessed was mutual or mother-initiated violence. Several women also noted that they had experienced difficulty connecting to and raising their own children. No clear pattern regarding gender role beliefs emerged, as women reported both stereotyped and flexible views.; In some cases, the results corroborate existing literature. But new hypotheses are suggested as well, providing researchers and clinicians alike with new avenues to explore in their research and with their clients.

THE NEGLECTED SIDE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESEARCH:
CASE STUDIES OF FEMALE AGRESSORS IN INTIMATE PARTNERSHIPS
by
Amy Elizabeth Lappen
_________________________________________________________
A Dissertation Presented to the
FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
(EDUCATION)
August 2007
Copyright 2007 Amy Elizabeth Lappen